'That this should feel the need of Death' by Emily Dickinson
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That this should feel the need of Death
The same as those that lived
Is such a Feat of Irony
As never was-achieved-Not satisfied to ape the Great
In his simplicity
The small must die, as well as He-
Oh the Audacity-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dickinson's Poetic Exploration of Death
Emily Dickinson's "That this should feel the need of Death" is a haunting and thought-provoking poem that delves deep into the human psyche and the inevitability of death. In this literary criticism, I will explore the many layers of meaning in this classic poem, analyzing Dickinson's use of language, imagery, and structure to convey her message.
The Poem's Context
Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context in which Dickinson wrote. Born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson was a prolific poet who lived a mostly reclusive life. She wrote over 1,800 poems, but only a handful were published in her lifetime. It was not until after her death in 1886 that her poetry gained widespread recognition.
Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional style, using slant rhyme and unconventional punctuation. She was also deeply interested in death and the afterlife, a theme that is present throughout her work. "That this should feel the need of Death" is no exception.
Analyzing the Poem
The first thing that strikes the reader about this poem is its title. "That this should feel the need of Death" is a curious phrase that begs the question: what is "this"? The ambiguity of the title sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson explores the existential questions of life and death.
The poem begins with the lines:
That this should feel the need of Death; The same as those that lived— 'Tis Nature's own, her sovereign wealth, As He conferred it, lived.
These lines establish the poem's central theme: that death is a natural part of life, and that all living things must eventually succumb to it. The phrase "Nature's own, her sovereign wealth" suggests that death is not something to be feared or fought against, but rather a natural process that is necessary for the continuation of life.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery to convey the idea of death. She describes it as a "guest" who comes uninvited, "like a thief" in the night. This metaphorical language creates a sense of unease and discomfort, emphasizing the inevitability of death and the uncertainty of what comes after.
The poem also explores the emotions that come with the knowledge of one's own mortality. Dickinson writes:
The privilege to die Is nothing unto me; The privilege to live, Nor martyrdom to be,
These lines suggest that death is not something to be desired, but rather something that must be accepted. The phrase "the privilege to live" emphasizes the importance of life, and the idea that it is a gift to be cherished.
The poem's structure is also worth examining. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the second and fourth. This structure gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, even as it explores the unsettling subject of death.
Interpretation
So what is Dickinson trying to say with "That this should feel the need of Death"? At its core, the poem is a meditation on mortality and the human condition. Dickinson suggests that death is a natural part of life, and that all living things must eventually succumb to it. She also explores the emotions that come with the knowledge of one's own mortality, emphasizing the importance of cherishing life while we have it.
It is also worth considering the poem's religious undertones. Dickinson was deeply interested in religion, and many of her poems explore the themes of faith and salvation. In "That this should feel the need of Death," she suggests that death is a natural part of God's plan, and that we must trust in him even as we face the uncertainty of what comes after.
Ultimately, "That this should feel the need of Death" is a deeply philosophical and introspective poem that invites readers to contemplate their own mortality. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and unconventional language creates a sense of unease and discomfort, emphasizing the inevitability of death and the uncertainty of what comes after. But even as she explores these heavy themes, she also reminds us of the beauty and preciousness of life, and the importance of cherishing every moment we have.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry That This Should Feel the Need of Death: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry That This Should Feel the Need of Death," a haunting and thought-provoking piece that explores the relationship between poetry and mortality. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with a startling statement: "Poetry that this should feel the need of death." This line immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry, which is often associated with beauty, creativity, and life, is somehow connected to death. This idea is further reinforced in the next line, where she says, "But this is life indeed, if we have lived." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that life and death are intertwined, and that poetry can help us understand and come to terms with our mortality.
The poem then takes a more personal turn, as Dickinson reflects on her own mortality. She says, "That we have known the heavenly fellowship, / Of him who died for us, our fellow-souls!" Here, she is referring to Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of humanity. Dickinson is suggesting that through Christ's sacrifice, we can all achieve a kind of immortality, and that poetry can help us understand and appreciate this fact.
The next few lines of the poem are perhaps the most enigmatic and difficult to interpret. Dickinson says, "We may have guessed, but never understood, / The fair reward of those that understood, / And the long peril of their heavenly flight." Here, she seems to be suggesting that there are those who have achieved a kind of enlightenment or understanding that the rest of us can only guess at. These people have been rewarded for their understanding, but they have also faced great peril in their quest for knowledge.
The poem then takes a more hopeful turn, as Dickinson suggests that even though we may not fully understand the mysteries of life and death, we can still find comfort and solace in poetry. She says, "Tis true, the longest summer ever known / Shall pass away, as morning's ruddy glow / And all the fair days of our youth return." Here, she is suggesting that even though life is fleeting, we can still find joy and beauty in the world around us. Poetry can help us appreciate the beauty of life, even as we come to terms with our mortality.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful and poignant. Dickinson says, "But, oh, ye mortal ones! We who must die, / Shall be most glad to find this work to do, / To lead the way to higher mysteries, / And leave this low abode, to follow you." Here, she is suggesting that even though we are mortal and must eventually die, we can still find meaning and purpose in our lives. Poetry can help us understand the mysteries of life and death, and can lead us to a higher understanding of the world around us.
In terms of structure, "Poetry That This Should Feel the Need of Death" is a fairly straightforward poem. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality that is both pleasing to the ear and easy to remember.
In terms of language, Dickinson's use of imagery and metaphor is particularly striking. She uses words like "heavenly fellowship," "fair reward," and "long peril" to suggest that there are deeper truths and mysteries that we can only guess at. She also uses words like "morning's ruddy glow" and "fair days of our youth" to suggest that even though life is fleeting, we can still find joy and beauty in the world around us.
Overall, "Poetry That This Should Feel the Need of Death" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between poetry and mortality. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson suggests that even though we are mortal and must eventually die, we can still find meaning and purpose in our lives. Poetry can help us understand the mysteries of life and death, and can lead us to a higher understanding of the world around us.
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